I've been an ardent supporter, donor, and volunteer for Arts for Oakland Kids since 2011 when this small but dynamic nonprofit came into my orbit as a resident of Oakland, Calif. What has impressed me through the years has been the high caliber of commitment, participation, and expertise of the board and staff to grant funding to Oakland schools and arts organizations dedicated to enhancing art programs for lower income youth. It's because of these qualities that AOK has a strong community base of donors and volunteers who believe in AOK's mission to support the youth of our city by being sure art remains a part of their growing years. I intend to continue supporting AOK in its mission.
I have been involved with AOK for over 10 years in different capacities--as an employee, a donor, cheerleader, and a board member. I've enjoyed so many aspects of the organization, but most of all I've enjoyed seeing the impact their grants have made on Oakland public schools. As someone who grew up in the Oakland public school system, I can attest how easy it is for the arts to be ignored, and also how impactful it can be to students' learning. Sometimes art is the only thing getting children excited about coming to school and learning. AOK's decades of work has made a huge difference in the community, and I hope to see it continue to make an impact for years to come.
AOK is impacting Oakland's kids lives by ensuring access to the arts and enriching their scholastic experience!
I started working with this organization in 2004 and have not been disappointed. Arts For Oakland Kids provides grants to arts organization focused on under-served school children ages 5 to 18 with the opportunity to experience art, music, dance etc in school programs. These programs enhanced their lives giving confidence to excel in all of their school curriculum through the grants provided by Arts for Oakland Kids. I can't imagine anything better than improving the learning and lives in children, our future leaders.
Since 1996, we have reached over 29,000 kids in 96 public schools and awarded over $1,000,000 to artists and organizations providing over 300 arts programs for Oakland Kids giving them the educational advantage they deserve! I am passionate about Arts for Oakland Kids mission and am proud to serve on its Board.
I've been to several fundraisers where I've had the privilege of seeing some of the wonderful work that this nonprofit group does. They are phenomenal..and provide a much needed service in neighborhoods that definitely need additional resources. The individuals who maintain the organization are trustworthy, smart, dedicated and hard-working. I can't say enough about this organization. Oakland is a better place because of AOK!
Arts for Oakland Kids has served as a continuously growing pillar of support for Oakland's childhood arts programs. It provides funding for a huge variety of programs for all age groups, for children who normally would have little or no access to any arts whatsoever. A caring group of local artists and educators!
Arts for Oakland Kids (AOK) provides grant to artists to teach all kinds of art forms to Oakland kids whose schools don’t provide arts instruction. I’ve gone on multiple visits to the AOK funded school sites and have witnessed the incredible joy and sense of accomplishment that making art brings to Oaklands students. The classes are rich in content, culturally diverse and free to the students. It is an amazing program!
I've been a board member for about 10 years and have watched this wonderful organization grow and mature. This is our 20th anniversary and we've given over 20,000 Oakland kids a chance at hands-on art!
We have such a need in Oakland for arts education. I've been on the Board of Directors of Oakland Fund for the Arts for almost two years, and it has opened my eyes. Kids who participate in the arts are much better students in other areas such as math and science. Yet, art programs are the first to go in school budgets. Each funding season our board struggles to choose which programs will receive funding because there are so many worthy programs and never enough money.
My challenge to you is to be part of the solution -- either by serving on the board, donating your time to mentor a child or teach the arts, or by giving money to fund school art programs. Come join us!
I have been with this organization one year. I love the simplicity and clarity of it's mission: to fund artists to take their programs to Oakland Public School kids in underserved communities.
It was an honor and a privilege to have worked for this organization for over 3 years. The all-volunteer board is the best, most giving, and kindest group of individuals, and all are committed to the cause of promoting arts access for all.
Art IS education, and the underserved youth of Oakland are already at risk on so many levels. Oakland Fund for the Arts is a treasure for the community.
Oakland Fund for the Arts provides funding so our underserved youth have a chance to find their creative voice while building their self esteem. I've had the pleasure of witnessing first hand these programs in action and have been thrilled to see how the arts can engage even the most challenging young students.